Twixt Eleven and One
Stephen collects clocks.
One day, when I was visiting, he explained the history of each one.
‘But here’s my pride and joy.’ He produced a timepiece with a beautiful, gilded face with Roman numerals.
‘What is different from other clocks?’
It took me some time to notice that there were two XI’s and no XII. I told Steve.
‘The maker, Kornfeldt, dreaded midnight, so made this clock, which he set to time and waited to see what would happen to the chime at midnight.’
‘When it chimed eleven, then one, he dropped dead, which is why this piece is unique.’
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleNo midnight prompt would be complete without some reference to clocks, and this particular clock is one of a kind! An original take on the prompt and a satisfyingly macabre ending. The title is catchy and memorable, and the accompanying graphic is perfect. Great overall presentation!
Thank you, Team. I’m pleased that it seems to have had the desired effect on some readers!!
This is a strange story. Spooky.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GooglePerhaps he should have also eliminated the “1 o’clock” symbol? An intriguing and interesting story. Well done.
Thank you Preston. My friend Stephen exists as a dedicated horophile. Not, dare I say, Mr Kornfeldt’s timepiece.
Another spooky tale. That is it- I will not be reading these midnight stories after dark. Chilling!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHa ha!! I write them after midnight.
Wow, Allan. Spine-chilling indeed! Pretty sure I wouldn’t want that timepiece in my collection! Loved this one!
Thanks, Linda. Don’t worry. Stephen wouldn’t let it out of his sight!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAllan, what a wonderful and terrifying tale! It makes me question if he passed away due to his intense terror of midnight alone, or if the clock itself was somehow more malevolent.
Thank you Marianna. In my post midnight ‘Edgar Allan Poe’ moods, it was the spirit in the clock!! Mind you Stephen is still alive and kicking!
Hello, Allan. I am glad that I am not reading your story at night. My hair stood on end. So spooky. Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie. I’m just glad you did read it and that it had the desired effect.
You are welcome, Allan.
Very spooky, Allan, and although I’m not sure what I was expecting, it wasn’t that ending! I think this would make a great beginning for a longer story. Well done!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Sandra. I’ll ponder your suggestion!
It would seem that the spirit of Midnight will not be ignored! An interesting tale and a lesson, I think, that we shouldn’t ignore something just because we dread and fear it!
I agree with that, Emily.
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